Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Pediatrics

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the alignment of the knee joint in overweight and obese children, compare their findings with normal weight children and to detect the relationships between knee joint deformities and body mass index. Methods: 220 children from both sexes and aged from 8 to 12 years participated in this study. Children were divided according to body mass index into 3 groups including normal, overweight and obese groups. The tibiofemoral and knee hyperextension angles were measured by using a computer aided design (AUTO CAD) program also the intermalleolar and intercondylar distances were assessed for all children. Results: Significant differences were statistically found in the tibiofemoral angle, intermalleolar distance and knee hyperextension angle among the 3 groups with greater values in obese children. Additionally, non-significant difference was found in intercondylar distance. Significant correlations were observed between tibiofemoral angle with intermalleolar distance in the 3 groups and with intercondylar distance in overweight and obese children also, between body mass index and intermalleolar distance as well as knee hyperextension angle in overweight and obese children and a non-significant correlation was also found between body mass index and tibiofemoral angle in the 3 groups. Significant differences were observed between girls and boys in tibiofemoral angle in the 3 groups and in intercondylar distance in normal children

Issued also as CD